Risks That Can Damage Your Home’s Foundation and How to Avoid Them

Foundation problems don’t happen overnight. It takes years and decades for a problem to develop, and if you spot it early on in its development cycle, you will go through most of your life without experiencing a severe foundation problem. However, foundation problems can be challenging to spot, especially in the early phases. Many homeowners complain that things are already too late by the time they spot foundation problems. So how do you stop that? Several risk factors can affect your home’s foundation. These risk factors can trouble foundations when left untreated for too long, and if you spot any one of these, it’s time to schedule a foundation audit.

Overwatering: It’s easy to overwater your foundation. Remember, moisture is not essentially bad for your foundation; it’s the excess moisture that damages your foundation. Most people water their foundation regularly without paying much attention to the weather or, more importantly, the geographical location of their home. If you live in an area with high humidity levels, you don’t need to water your foundation as much as someone living in dry and arid weather. So, if you are overwatering or suspect movement in the foundation’s soil, call in a professional.

Plumbing issues: If you have a plumbing issue in your home, it’s not just the inconvenience of fixing the leak that you need to worry about. Water can and will damage your foundation if left untreated for too long. If you have any water leakage in your home- whether it be from the roof, basement, or even cracks in the walls- make sure to get it fixed as soon as possible.

Poor drainage: Improper drainage is another common culprit for damaging foundations. When water accumulates around your home because of poor drainage, it seeps into the soil and creates moisture levels conducive to foundation problems. Make sure that all downspouts are draining away from your house and that there is plenty of space for water to drain around your foundation.

Excess weight: Your foundation was not designed to support excessive weight for long periods. So, if you have a heavy object sitting on your foundation for an extended period, it will eventually damage the foundation. This is why it’s essential to regularly inspect your home for any cracks or changes in the foundation’s structure.

Expansive soil: The type of soil your house is built on plays a significant role in its stability. If you live in an area with expansive soil, it’s essential to monitor the moisture levels around your home. When the moisture content in the soil changes, it can put stress on your foundation and cause cracking.

Tree roots: Trees are beautiful, and they provide much-needed shade in the summer, but their roots can also do a lot of damage to your home’s foundation. Roots grow towards moisture, expanding and penetrating through any crack or opening in the foundation they find. To prevent this from happening, make sure to plant trees away from your house and keep an eye on their root system as they continue to grow.

Insect infestations: Insects like termites are attracted to moisture, and they can cause a lot of damage to your foundation if left untreated. If you suspect an insect infestation in your home, call in a professional right away.

Poor construction: Unfortunately, not all homes are built with foundations up to code. If your home was constructed improperly, it could lead to foundation problems down the road. If you are experiencing any foundation issues, it’s essential to have a professional inspect your home to determine if the problem is due to construction.

Heavy rains: Heavy rains can cause a lot of damage to foundations, especially if they are already weakened. When rainwater accumulates around your house, it seeps into the soil and creates moisture levels conducive to foundation problems. Make sure that all gutters and downspouts are draining away from your home and that there is plenty of space for water to drain around your foundation.

Flooding: Flooding is one of the worst things that can happen to your home because not only does it damage the structure of your house, but it can also lead to mold and mildew growth. If your home is at risk for flooding, it’s essential to have a professional assess the situation and determine the best course of action.

Invasive landscaping: Invasive landscaping is when plants or trees are planted too close to your foundation. This can cause damage because the roots can grow into the foundation and crack it. To prevent this from happening, make sure to plant trees and shrubs at least five feet away from your house.

Changing temperatures: Extreme temperature changes can also damage your foundation. When the ground freezes and thaws, it expands and contracts, which can put stress on your foundation and cause cracking. To protect your home, make sure that all cracks are sealed and that the ground around your house is well-insulated.

As you can see, several risks factors can damage your home’s foundation. But, by being aware of these risks and taking steps to avoid them, you can help keep your foundation in good condition for years to come. If you suspect that your foundation is damaged, call in a professional right away so they can assess the situation and make any necessary foundation repairs.